Old siren removed after 2011 traffic accident

The siren at Hakalau in North Hilo, on Highway 19 just north of mile marker 15 near Chin Chuck Road, has been replaced, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

The old siren was removed after being rendered unusable as a result of a traffic accident in 2011.

A final inspection was completed Thursday to verify the installation and function of the new siren. The new Hakalau siren will better serve the area with enhanced range capability, and increased reliability as a result of electronic activation and photovoltaic panels and batteries to maintain constant power to the siren.

The new siren is mounted on a composite pole, making it more resistant to deterioration caused by the elements or termites.

Hawaii County Civil Defense thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding during Thursday's test of the Hakalau siren. As a reminder, the monthly Emergency Alert System and Siren Warning System test will take place as normally scheduled on the first working day of the month, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 at 11:45 a.m.

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